Ponderosa State Park — Attraction in McCall

This was my first time here, I came here strictly for hiking. Came to the visitor's center first to get a map. Park ranger told me to go park at the Activity Center and pickup the trails from there. Not sure if it was just me, but I had a hard time understanding where the trails start up from the Activity Center, I didn't see any clear marking telling you where to go.

Nevertheless, I finally found the Meadow Marsh trailhead. My overall hike went like this: Meadow Marsh to Lilly Marsh, then Lilly Marsh to Ridgeline, and from there I arrived to the Osprey Point & Narrows Overlook. Lots of opportunities for great pictures along the way.

I kept a good pace, as well as took some pictures and some stops, and it took me about 2 hours to get from the Activity Center to Osprey Point by foot, maybe a little more. I took the Huckleberry Loop & Peninsula Trail back to the Activity Center. Lilly Marsh & Ridgeline trails can get pretty steep with lots of rocks, if you're somewhat athletic you'll be fine, if you're a little older or not in best shape, take it slow and definitely watch your step.

I had a good time, trails were very clean, didn't see any liter. People working there were friendly, same goes for other hikers.

If this is your first time here, and you came to hike, then I'd recommend you doing the exact hike I did. You will hit every major trail (there are a lot of smaller side trails as well, save those for another day), and you'll see which you'd like. When I come back here for my second time, I think I'll return from Osprey Point to the Activity Center by taking the Ridgeline, Lilly Marsh, and Meadow Marsh trails. I just enjoyed those more.

Other quick tips, if you have the Idaho State Parks Pass on your windshield, you can drive in the right lane when you're entering the park without stopping (I didn't know that, this was my first time at any state park). Trust me, bring lots of water. This really is a hiking 101 tip, but don't bring a lot of salty snacks that will make you thirsty, instead bring fruit and anything that contains water (apple, orange, grapes, cherry tomatoes, etc). I'd also recommend bring bug spray, especially while hiking those marsh trails.

Also, I think the best times to hike would either be as soon as the open, or close to when closing time. I started Meadow Marsh trail early in the AM, it was still cool, cloudy, misty, and I heard a woodpecker in the distance. Felt like I was in some scary movie lol. If you want to take pictures when you get to Osprey Point (which you will), the best time to be there is in the evening. The sun is literally in front of you at any other time, and photography 101 is always take pictures with the light BEHIND you. You can probably get some amazing pictures up there when it snows, I'll definitely be trying to get up there in the winter...

This is a tough review to write, as we visited in the deep off-season, but if you plan on renting a cabin, please read on.

We visited as a Plan C option for our vacation that fell through due to the pandemic. We were there at the end of March, and I don't think that more than two other cabins were even rented while we were there. It was fabulous- as my GF stated, "I never dreamed we could have an entire state park all to ourselves". Other than the Vandals research center near the welcome/information center, we had a free run of the place and spent hours hiking on the groomed XC ski trails (aka "roads" in non-winter moments).

The cabins are truly nice, but please do not fall for the comments that they come fully equipped. DO BRING your favorite cookware if you have an entire menu planned for your stay. The supplied cookware ranges from simple to a Marriott timeshare- you never know what you will get. The flatware was adequate for 4, but no more, in our cabin. (There is always paper/plastic available at Albertson's.) And, the appliances were newer and performed very, very well. If it is winter, be sure to bring along a quilt or comforter for the bed(s). Also, there are simple park-type grills at each cabin, and, while getting a proper draft isn't always possible due to the shifting winds, they really open the menu options for you and your family/guests.

My GF did a boatload of research in preparing for this vacation, and, believe me, the "older" cabins are really stellar for those who want a beautiful view of the lake. The newer cabins are missing the large windows that make the older ones so special. She was most pleased with the setting.

We had a maintenance issue that kept us up until after 3am one evening, but the maintenance staff came through for us to get us a "comp'd" night after the host/information center staff didn't make that offer. While that sucks, I am not allowing that instance to affect this review, but felt it necessary to include as, even though it was unfortunate, we still enjoyed the cabin enough to take that credit and stay another evening.

Finally, the DEER. If you are from afar, as we are, it is oddly amazing as to how the mule deer take over the park, and the entire town, as soon as it gets to be dusk. One day overcast set in mid-afternoon and they were out grazing at 2:30! This could be simply a winter happenstance, as it may be so very busy in the summer months that they do not dare come out in the open. But, it was not uncommon to look out of the cabin and find 7 or 8 deer so close that you could very easily hit them with a...

I came here last week to snoeshow with some family. Ponderosa is one of my favorite places in McCall to hang out at, especially in the winter. Super close to downtown, it's easy to reach even when road conditions are less than ideal.

The grooved paths make it easy for cross country skiing and snowshoeing. It's an absolutely beautiful view the entire way. Northern Lights (1.0 mile) and Easy Does It (2.3 miles) trails are very easily accessible and you're treated with a gorgeous overlook of Payette Lake. Take the Through the Woods (0.6 miles) trail for astounding 360° views of towering Ponderosa pines being weighed down by piles of fresh snow. This trail is great for pictures! If you're really in the mood for a workout and have the time, energy and stamina, take the trek to Osprey Cliff Overlook and you'll be rewarded with views unlike many others in the area. But trust me, you gotta be up for it, as this hike is nearly 7.5 miles round trip which can be difficult in snowshoes.

My one complaint is lack of dog friendly trials. There is one! Rover Round-A-Bout is a 1.0 mile loop that sees extensive use due to this feature. There's not much to see, but it's what you gotta utilize if you want to bring Fido along. I understand the choice of prohibiting dogs is largely due to the destruction of cross country skiing paths, but it would be nice to have at least 2 dog friendly options so you don't have to be stuck...